Thyme, Common

Thyme is one of the most widely used culinary herbs. It is commonly grown as a decorative and functional plant in many home gardens, and bees use its pollen to make delectable honey. It is easy to grow and adaptable to most soils and climatic conditions and is perennial in USDA zone 4-8. Start early indoors.

Sun
The amount of sunlight this product needs daily in order to perform well in the garden. Full sun means 6 hours of direct sun per day; partial sun means 2-4 hours of direct sun per day; shade means little or no direct sun.

Full Sun

Days To Maturity
The average number of days from when the plant is actively growing in the garden to the expected time of harvest.

180-200 days

Life Cycle
This refers to whether a plant is an annual, biennial or perennial. Annuals complete their life cycles in one year; biennials produce foliage the first year and bloom and go to seed the second year; perennials can live for more than two years.

Perennial

Height
The typical height of this product at maturity.

6-12 inches

Spread
The width of the plant at maturity.

6-8 inches

Additional Uses
Additional ways in which the product may be used in the garden.

Start IndoorsStart Indoors
Starting seeds indoors is called Indoor Sow or Indirect Sow and these dates are when to sow seeds indoors in the spring or summer

TransplantTransplant
When to transplant bulbs or roots in the garden for spring

Start OutdoorsStart Outdoors
Starting seeds outdoors is called Outdoor Sow or Direct Sow and these dates are when to sow seeds outdoors in the spring or summer

Start Indoors FallStart Indoors Fall
Starting seeds indoors in the fall called Indoor Sow or Indirect Sow and these dates are when to sow seeds outdoors in the fall

Transplant FallTransplant Fall
Transplant Fall-When to transplant bulbs or roots in the garden for fall

Start Outdoors FallStart Outdoors Fall
Starting seeds outdoors in the fall is called Outdoor Sow or Direct Sow and these dates are when to sow seeds outdoors in the fall

First Date: Mar-07 - Last Date: Mar-21

First Date: May-02 - Last Date: May-30

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Growing information

Thyme may be grown from seed sown early indoors or as a potted plant.

Sowing Seed Indoors:

Sow sage seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost in spring using a seed starting kit

Sow seeds ¼ inches deep in seed-starting formula.

Keep the soil moist at 70 degrees F

Seedlings emerge in 14-21 days.

As soon as seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light on a sunny windowsill or grow seedlings 3-4 inches beneath fluorescent plant lights turned on 16 hours per day, off for 8 hours at night. Raise the lights as the plants grow taller. Incandescent bulbs will not work for this process because they will get too hot. Most plants require a dark period to grow, do not leave lights on for 24 hours.

Seedlings do not need much fertilizer, feed when they are 3-4 weeks old using a starter solution (half strength of a complete indoor houseplant food) according to manufacturer’s directions.

If you are growing in small cells, you may need to transplant the seedlings to 3 or 4 inch pots when seedlings have at least 2 pairs of leaves before transplanting to the garden so they have enough room to develop strong roots.

Before planting in the garden, seedling plants need to be “hardened off”. Accustom young plants to outdoor conditions by moving them to a sheltered place outside for a week. Be sure to protect them from wind and hot sun at first. If frost threatens at night, cover or bring containers indoors, then take them out again in the morning. This hardening off process toughens the plant’s cell structure and reduces transplant shock and scalding.

Planting in the Garden:

Select a location in full sun with well-drained soil.

Prepare the bed by turning the soil under to a depth of 8 inches. Level with a rake to remove clumps of grass and stones.

Dig a hole for each plant large enough to amply accommodate the root ball.

Carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently loosen the root ball with your hands to encourage good root development.

Set the plants 12 inches apart.

Place the top of the root ball even with the level of the surrounding soil. Fill with soil to the top of the root ball. Press soil down firmly with your hand.

Use the plant tag as a location marker.

Thoroughly water and apply a light mulch layer on top of the soil (1-2 inches) to conserve water and reduce weeds.

Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their seeds from germinating.

Mulches also help retain soil moisture and maintain even soil temperatures. For herbs, an organic mulch of aged bark or shredded leaves lends a natural look to the bed and will improve the soil as it breaks down in time. Always keep mulches off a plant’s stems to prevent possible rot.

Keep plants well-watered during the growing season, especially during dry spells. Plants need about 1 inch of rain per week during the growing season. Use a rain gauge to check to see if you need to add water. It’s best to water with a drip or trickle system that delivers water at low pressure at the soil level. If you water with overhead sprinklers, water early in the day so the foliage has time to dry off before evening, to minimize disease problems. Keep the soil moist but not saturated.

The lifespan of thyme plants averages about 5-6 years. If you notice the plants are beginning to deteriorate, prune the existing plants back hard to rejuvenate them.

Monitor for pests and diseases. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Service for pest controls recommended for your area.

Harvest sprigs of leaves as needed through the season. Thyme may be used fresh or dried.

To dry leaves, cut whole stems on a sunny morning. Tie stems loosely in small bunches and hang in a dry, airy location out of the sun. OR spread on a cheesecloth or a window screen in a dry, shady location. OR dry herbs in the oven for 2-3 hours on a cookie sheet at the lowest heat, leaving the oven door open. OR use a dehydrator following the manufacturer’s instructions. When thoroughly dry, store in a tightly sealed container in a dry, dark location such as a cupboard.

Thyme may also be frozen in ice cube trays in water or olive oil. Remove the leaves from stems first.

Thyme may also be added to vinegars, herb butters and used to infuse honey.

Product Details

Sun

Full Sun

Days To Maturity

180-200 days

Life Cycle

Perennial

Height

6-12 inches

Spread

6-8 inches

Additional Uses

Container Plant, Easy Care, Eco-Friendly, Low Maintenance

Sow Method

Indoor Sow

Planting Time

Fall, Spring

Thin

12 inches

Reviews

Thyme, Common is rated
4.9 out of
5 by
8.

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Garden gurl from
Great herbI love growing this herb every year. It has a great aroma and it’s easy to grow. We always use it in cooking and grilling.

Date published: 2018-09-07

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Lucy611 from
A great herb!I bought 3 of these this season, grew 2 and gave the third as a gift. Tough little herb plant, grew amazingly well.

Date published: 2017-08-22

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Madison from
My purchaseThe plants were beautiful. They were packed nicely and were in excellent shape. They are all doing well.

Date published: 2017-07-15

Rated 5 out of
5 by
klong100 from
Love this!I bought three thyme plants a few weeks ago, and they are doing great! Absolutely love them. Thank you, Burpee for the beautiful, healthy plants.

Date published: 2016-09-17

Rated 5 out of
5 by
kogabear from
Lots of UsesTasts good, is hard to start inside. Use as a good smelling hedge for herb garden.

Date published: 2012-05-26

Rated 5 out of
5 by
ConcreteyardGardener from
better sown outdoorsI was unable to grow these effectively indoors. Too stringy for transplant. I think that to grow these successfully indoors you would need a seedling heat mat and grow lights that are large enough so that all your seedlings can fit directly under them. I think mine were too far from the light. I found it much easier to start them outdoors in pots. They take a little longer to mature that way without the head start, but they grew up strong. Now, my thyme comes back every year without help so I don't have to worry about starting it early. Thyme is excellent for use in a lot of dishes. I even like to dry it for use in tea. Thyme also has natural antiseptic properties.

Date published: 2011-03-28

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Grower from
TrickyA very good plant to have in a garden. Makes great seasoning for chicken and can be dried and stored. Seeds are particularly hard to get to strong plants, but once grown are fairly strong

Date published: 2010-03-15

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Flowergirl from
Edible EdgerThis herb has a great flavor and it's a useful plant for covering bare soil around other herbs and vegetables and for edging a bed. It resists disease and insects and forms a fairly effective weed barrier. It's easy to start and grow. It thrives through heat and humidity. I found it best to replace the plants each spring as older plants can become woody. I shared some sprigs with my chef sister and she gave the flavor rave reviews. It pairs well with summer produce, poultry and soups.